6.3 stars.
Just another spin on the plot of how to save a lodge. This is not the first go round for this storyline. Take a family owned lodge in financial distress. Next we have a wealthy real estate investor from a big city that wishes to buy the property from the bank before foreclosure. After all, it is a rare gem of a holiday destination in a far off and wondrous winter wonderland in the mountains, with a ski resort to boot.
To my dismay there are several extremely cringe moments that have tainted my whole experience. If not for these rookie mistakes, this film would have ended up in my above average category, maybe a 7.5. You will know what I'm referring to when you see them, but I'll throw some bones, one is in his suite, one is on the roof, one is on the ski lift, one is when Santa appears with a special gift, and more...
Now that we've established that the plot is ordinary, what stands out in this repetitive production? The leads have some chemistry, but it's only average. The support cast which are the primary male and female resort employees, are both quite charming. A few tertiary characters light up the stage too, the little girl who is depressed because her dad is away on a military tour. She is very cute in this merry atmosphere of townsfolk who stay at the resort every Christmas. We have the middle-aged woman who's husband has recently passed, and she's quite engaging, she helps the girl find some joy. There is the rich imperious British investor who will throw caution to the wind and buy this property, and won't take no for an answer and his character is ordinary.
The only additional criteria that factor in on my decision are chemistry, x-factor, and entertainment value. The rest of the film is a flat 5.5 stars (due to a few cringe moments). For entertainment value I will add 1/2 star and for x-factor 1/4 star and for chemistry there is no bonus. 6.25 stars, rounded up to 6.3 stars.
Just another spin on the plot of how to save a lodge. This is not the first go round for this storyline. Take a family owned lodge in financial distress. Next we have a wealthy real estate investor from a big city that wishes to buy the property from the bank before foreclosure. After all, it is a rare gem of a holiday destination in a far off and wondrous winter wonderland in the mountains, with a ski resort to boot.
To my dismay there are several extremely cringe moments that have tainted my whole experience. If not for these rookie mistakes, this film would have ended up in my above average category, maybe a 7.5. You will know what I'm referring to when you see them, but I'll throw some bones, one is in his suite, one is on the roof, one is on the ski lift, one is when Santa appears with a special gift, and more...
Now that we've established that the plot is ordinary, what stands out in this repetitive production? The leads have some chemistry, but it's only average. The support cast which are the primary male and female resort employees, are both quite charming. A few tertiary characters light up the stage too, the little girl who is depressed because her dad is away on a military tour. She is very cute in this merry atmosphere of townsfolk who stay at the resort every Christmas. We have the middle-aged woman who's husband has recently passed, and she's quite engaging, she helps the girl find some joy. There is the rich imperious British investor who will throw caution to the wind and buy this property, and won't take no for an answer and his character is ordinary.
The only additional criteria that factor in on my decision are chemistry, x-factor, and entertainment value. The rest of the film is a flat 5.5 stars (due to a few cringe moments). For entertainment value I will add 1/2 star and for x-factor 1/4 star and for chemistry there is no bonus. 6.25 stars, rounded up to 6.3 stars.